Interior and tech

There’s been a step up in design for the interior of the new Fiesta with the new touchscreen dominating the new layout. Initially the larger screens do look a little oversized but you quickly become accustomed to them. The dashpod itself is clear and looks stylish with blue illuminated needles.

If there was one criticism to be aimed at the interior it’s that some plastics still feel a little cheap, especially on the door trim panels – perhaps not a problem on the entry-level £13k Style model, but out of place on the £21k Vignale cars.

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The entry-level Style model might be a little lacking in equipment but from there on up the Fiesta range is well equipped and has plenty of standard kit. The Zetec and ST-Line receive a 6.5in touchscreen while the Titanium and Vignale receive an 8in version with sat nav as standard. This can be added to an ST-Line for an additional £300, or as part of the ST-Line ‘X’ trim level. Mobile phone connectivity is taken care of by Sync 3 technology, which works very well in practice and includes audio streaming, too. The optional B&O system sounds great, and isn’t too outrageous at £300.

There are several driver assistance systems on offer from a lane keeping system to blind spot warnings, collision warnings, a driver alert system and traffic sign recognition, and all work well although the collision warning can be a little over eager in town driving.

In terms of accommodation front seat passengers are well catered for, but as you’d expect from a supermini it’s quite tight in the back if front seat passengers are tall. The Sports seats in the ST-Line grip in all the right places but larger drivers may find they’re a little tight across the backrest.